THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509020170
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Fire Lt. Don Brown gleams as he stands next to the shiny, red fire truck.
``This is my baby,'' says Brown, who works at Station No. 1 on City Hall Avenue where the vehicle is assigned. ``It's mine until retirement. I'll be going out in style.''
The ladder and aerial platform truck is one of four new pieces of fire and rescue equipment recently acquired by the city. Along with two engines and a heavy rescue truck, the fleet will considerably bolster Norfolk's preparedness for fire and rescue operations. The $1.5 million purchase is the city's largest for firefighting equipment since 1990, when the city bought three new engines.
``What this does is to significantly upgrade our ability to deliver firefighting and emergency medical services to the citizens,'' Norfolk Fire Chief Carl Welch said. ``We have an equipment-replacement program that's determined by age and maintenance cost. Some equipment needed to be replaced.''
The aerial platform - Norfolk's first - can hold as much as 1,000 pounds and can lift personnel and equipment eight stories, a vast improvement over climbing. The two engines, in addition to pumping water, have advanced life support capabilities, offering all the medical care services of an ambulance, except for transport. The heavy rescue truck, also a first, carries personnel and special equipment designed to help extricate trapped persons from buildings and cars.
``We really could have used the rescue truck when the jail collapsed,'' Welch said, referring to the July 18 accident at the Norfolk jail annex.
The equipment was unveiled Aug. 29 in front of City Hall. Vice Mayor Paul Riddick and Councilman Randy Wright rode the platform to a height of 85 feet before being returned to the ground. Riddick performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to the fleet's sirens and flashing lights. Fire and Paramedical Services Director Ron Wakeham was master of ceremonies.
``This new equipment means a lot less downtime for maintenance,'' Wakeham said. ``It will make operations more efficient and effective.''
Other improved engine features include a fully enclosed cab, anti-lock brakes and a protective sound system to help prevent firefighter hearing loss. The ladder and platform truck has enough bulb capacity to light a football field.
One engine is assigned to Station No. 14 on Norview Avenue. The other is at Station No. 9 on Thole Street. The heavy rescue truck is at Station No. 15 on Fishermans Road in Bayview. The vehicles will be used primarily in each station's territory but may be pulled to other parts of the city if needed.
For Lt. Brown at Station No. 1, the new aerial platform not only means improved service to the citizens but also improved public relations.
``Now I don't have to fight with people to climb down a 100-foot ladder,'' he explained. ``I will simply ask them to step on the elevator. We're going down.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
This ladder and aerial platform truck is one of the city's four new
pieces of fire and rescue equipment.
by CNB